God; not Gift by George MacDonald
The work explores the profound relationship between the divine and human experience, emphasizing the longing for a direct connection with God rather than the pursuit of material or emotional gifts. The speaker expresses a deep sense of emptiness and despair, symbolized by barren landscapes and turbulent seas, reflecting a spiritual drought. This yearning for divine presence is contrasted with the futility of seeking joy or fulfillment through worldly means. The speaker's heart is depicted as desolate, yet there is a persistent call to God, indicating a desire for spiritual sustenance over transient pleasures. The imagery of nature serves as a backdrop for this internal struggle, highlighting the tension between hope and despair. Ultimately, the work conveys that true fulfillment lies in the recognition of God's presence, rather than in the gifts that may accompany it. The speaker's resolution to seek God directly, despite the surrounding desolation, underscores a theme of faith and trust in divine providence. The narrative encapsulates a journey from emptiness to a deeper understanding of spiritual reliance, suggesting that the essence of life is found in the pursuit of the divine rather than in the gifts that may come from it.
By George MacDonald · First published 1878 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Devotional Literature · 268 words
First lines
Gray clouds my heaven have covered o'er; My sea ebbs fast, no more to flow; Ghastly and dry, my desert shore Parched, bare, unsightly things doth show.
'Tis thou, Lord, cloudest up my sky; Stillest the heart-throb of my sea; Tellest the sad wind not to sigh, Yea, life itself to wait for thee!
Lord, here I am, empty enough! My music but a soundless moan! Blind hope, of all my household stuff, Leaves me, blind hope, not quite alone!
Shall hope too go, that I may trust Purely in thee, and spite of all? Then turn my very heart to dust -- On thee, on thee, I yet will call.
What this Textopian page supports
God; not Gift is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1878 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Devotional Literature, Philosophical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The text is a poem with strong religious themes, focusing on a personal relationship with God and spiritual longing.
- Spiritual Literature — The work explores themes of faith, trust in divine presence, and spiritual fulfillment beyond material gifts.
- Devotional Literature — The content is reflective and meditative, expressing devotion and a desire for closeness to the divine.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem contemplates existential themes and the nature of hope and trust, offering a philosophical perspective on spirituality.
Tags
theology · faith · spirituality · Christianity · philosophy · divine · grace · redemption · suffering · love · sacrifice · moral